Memorable Moments for dementia

13 November 2014

Memorable Moments for dementia

Alzheimers Canterbury is taking part in New Zealand’s first #GivingTuesday celebrations on 2nd December, capturing people’s unforgettable occurrences and raising funds for those affected by dementia with their touching “Memorable Moments” project.

#GivingTuesday is a global campaign celebrating a day of giving on Tuesday 2nd December. Businesses, families and individuals are encouraged to ‘give back’ to the community and support local not-for-profits.

‘We think it’s a wonderful opportunity for Cantabrians to get to know and support the local not-for-profit organisations,’ says Darral Campbell, manager of Alzheimers Canterbury. ‘Our aim was to get people to think about dementia and to celebrate ‘Memorable Moments.’

The project asks people to capture situations that they’d never want to forget in a photo or video. Situations range from outrageously hilarious to heartfelt personal stories. People are encouraged to support the ones that are in their eyes the most memorable. Funds raised will go directly towards supporting people to live well with dementia in the Canterbury region.

‘We hope this project will open people’s eyes that even though our memory may fail us some time in the future, by capturing special moments, we can make memories last forever.’

Alzheimers Canterbury provides free professional support services to people with dementia, their carers, friends and family/whanau. Dementia occurs as a result of physical changes in the structure of the brain. These changes can affect memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion.

‘If you or someone you care about has dementia, it’s natural that you may feel distressed and concerned. But you don’t have to face this alone.’

Alzheimers Canterbury’s Memorable Moments project can be found on Givealittle.co.nz/event/MemorableMoments. Or simply donate to Alzheimers Canterbury to make life better for people affected by dementia: givealittle.co.nz/org/AlzCanty/donate.

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is one of the most significant global health challenges facing our generation (World Alzheimer Report, 2014).

Nearly 50 000 people in New Zealand live with a diagnosis of dementia (Dementia Economic Impact Report, 2011). Many more of us, family, friends and community members, are consequently affected by dementia.

Alzheimers Canterbury provides free information, support and access to services for people with all forms of dementia, their carers, family/whanau. Services include: social work, support groups for carers/family and people with dementia, therapeutic activity groups (including memory, art- and literature appreciation and gardening groups), companion services and educational talks. Although there is no cure for most causes of dementia, there is a lot of help available. It is important help is sought early.

#GivingTuesday was started in 2012 by New York’s 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation. Over 2500 not-for-profit and business partners participated that not only resulted in awareness being raised of key issues but also saw a significant increase in giving on that day.

www.alzheimers.org.nz/canterbury

ENDS

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